The basil herb is often used in an array of food preparations from healthy sandwiches to salads to pastas and a whole lot more. Culinary experts say it is not only because of the good it does to the body but also because of its aromatic and tasty leaves. You’re likely to enjoy a lifetime supply of it because growing basil in pots is considerably easy.
Preparation and Sowing
Growing basil is not that difficult – it’s actually relatively easy! For easy access to this healthy herb, it is ideal to grow them in pots. Before you sow, see to it that the compost or soil is damp. As long as the drainage is adequate and temperature levels are suitable, basil can thrive all throughout the year – even in winter. If growing basil in pots, covering it with ½ cm of compost will be terrific. Also, a few seeds should be planted in one pot. In just one week, you should already see the basil seeds germinating. The pairs of leaves (of the stronger seedling/s) that spring out first will thin out the weaker seedlings.
Soil Type and Positioning
For growing basil in a pot outdoors, general purpose compost is adequate. It should then be placed where it has full sun exposure 6-8 hours a day. If you’re growing basil in a pot indoors, you can leave them by the window where it can get right amount of sunlight.
Tending and Harvesting
Weeds are one thing you will not worry about when growing indoors. It is advisable to fertilise the soil in your pots or containers once or twice a month and yes, just a small amount of fertiliser. Water your basil at the base, making sure you don’t shower its leaves and stem. Also, to help sustain the plant’s ideal basil herb taste, any flower that appears must be pinched out. Not only will it preserve flavour, doing so will help the plant focus on leaf growth instead.
Basil can be frozen for future use to ensure that taste will not be lost. To further maximize its leaf’s flavour however, it is best to harvest it just right when the bud springs out. Pick the leaves on top first. Do not pick all the leaves off of just one plant, rather pick a number of leaves off of a couple of plants. Now all you need is that roasted chicken basil recipe.
